RHIC 25 kW refrigerator and distribution system, construction, testing, and initial operating experience

The installation and testing of most of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) cryogenic system is complete. The RHIC cryogenic system consisting of the modified ISABELLE refrigerator, and other new cryogenic components, has been completed from the 25 kW refrigerator through one sixth of the 3.8 km circumference RHIC accelerator up to the 4:00 valve box. This paper covers the progress to date with respect to construction and installation of the helium distribution system, including the vacuum jacketed piping and valve boxes, recoolers, and controls. In addition, the 25 kW refrigerator has been operated on three seChapaute occasions over the past two years. These first experiences with the operation of the refrigerator and warm compressor system, along with some test results will be discussed here.